WASHINGTON >> The National Transportation Safety Board concluded Tuesday that the developer of a commercial spacecraft that broke apart over the Mojave Desert last year failed to protect against the possibility of human error, specifically the co-pilot’s premature unlocking of a braking system that triggered the in-flight breakup of the vehicle.

In its finding, the board took pains to make clear that Scaled Composites, an aerospace company that has partnered with Virgin Galactic to develop the spacecraft, should have had systems in place to overcome the co-pilot’s mistake.

The Federal Aviation Administration was also faulted in its role of determining whether Scaled Composites should get permits for flight tests, and the board recommended several steps to improve the FAA’s oversight of private companies involved in commercial space transportation.

The recommendations included assigning FAA staff to individual operators instead of individual flights. That way, they have more time to become familiar with the training and operational controls that they’re charged with inspecting. An FAA spokesman said the agency takes the findings and recommendations seriously and will respond in more detail within 90 days.

NTSB Chairman Christopher Hart said he didn’t believe Scaled Composites took shortcuts that compromised the spacecraft’s safety. Rather, he said, it simply didn’t consider that the crew would make the mistake that occurred.

“The assumption was these highly trained test pilots would not make mistakes in those areas, but truth be told, humans are humans,” Hart said after the hearing’s conclusion. “And even the best-trained human on their best day can make mistakes.”

The accident occurred during SpaceShipTwo’s fourth rocket-powered test flight. At the time of the accident, Scaled Composites was responsible for SpaceShipTwo’s flight test program under a contract with Virgin Galactic.

At the onset of the hearing, investigators told the board that the co-pilot, Michael Alsbury, prematurely unlocked the braking system and the resulting forces caused the brakes to actually be applied even without a command from the crew. The unique braking system includes twin tails that extend on booms from each wing. When activated they rotate upward to create drag, slowing and stabilizing the spaceship for re-entry into the thin upper atmosphere. They are called “feathers” because they function like feathers on a badminton shuttlecock.

The premature applying of the braking system at that speed and elevation created stress that caused the ship to break-up, though Hart said that protections have been put in place since.

“We are confident that the steps they have taken would prevent this accident from happening,” Hart said.

The spaceship broke apart over the Mojave Desert during a test flight 10 months ago. The accident killed Alsbury and seriously injured the pilot, Peter Siebold.

In determining the probable cause of the accident, board members were focused on how well officials prepared for the worst. NTSB member Robert Sumwalt said Scaled Composites “put all their eggs in the basket of the pilots doing it correctly.”

“My point is that a single-point human failure has to be anticipated,” Sumwalt said. “The system has to be designed to compensate for the error.”

In a statement after the hearing, Scaled Composites said safety has always been a critical part of the company’s culture.

“We have already made changes in the wake of the accident to further enhance safety. We will continue to look for additional ways to do so. We extensively supported the NTSB’s investigation and appreciate all of its work to make the industry safer,” the company’s statement read.

Hart said he hoped the investigation will prevent such an accident from happening again. He said the NTSB learned “with a high degree of certainty the events that resulted in the breakup.”

“Many of the safety issues that we will hear about today arose not from the novelty of a space launch test flight, but from human factors that were already known elsewhere in transportation,” Hart said.

Virgin Galactic has been proceeding with its plans for space flight and is now building another craft. Company officials have said in recent months that their commitment to commercial spacecraft has not wavered despite the crash and they expect the company to resume test flights later this year. Eventually, the company envisions flights with six passengers climbing more than 62 miles above Earth.

In a statement issued after the hearing, Virgin Galactic said it has assumed full responsibility for the completion of the flight test program. It emphasized the Scaled Composites was responsible for SpaceShipTwo’s flight-test program.

“We remain as humbled as ever by the difficulty of our work and the challenges of space,” said Virgin Galactic CEO George T. Whitesides. “To date, only 549 people have gone to space, and we are as passionate and resolved as ever to increase that number.”

“It is important that our collective efforts and sacrifices are not in vain but serve to inspire others to make big dreams come true,” said Sir Richard Branson, Virgin Group’s founder.

MECCA – A person was killed and two others injured in a single- vehicle crash in the Salton Sea community of North Shore tonight.

The collision was reported at 7:06 p.m. near the intersection of Highway 111 and Vander Veer Road, April Newman of the Riverside County Fire Department said.

One of the two injured was a juvenile, Newman said. Both were hospitalized with minor injuries.

The victim died at the scene and two other juvenile occupants of the vehicle were unharmed, Newman said.

MECCA – A person was killed and two others injured in a single- vehicle crash in the Salton Sea community of North Shore tonight.

The collision was reported at 7:06 p.m. near the intersection of Highway 111 and Vander Veer Road, April Newman of the Riverside County Fire Department said.

One of the two injured was a juvenile, Newman said. Both were hospitalized with minor injuries.

The victim died at the scene and two other juvenile occupants of the vehicle were unharmed, Newman said.

RIVERSIDE – Authorities were searching for clues today into what caused a small plane to crash into a Riverside neighborhood, killing the pilot, but injuring no one on the ground.

The plane went down and caught fire just after 5 p.m. Sunday in the yard of a home near the intersection of Adams Street and Arlington Avenue, about one-half mile east of Riverside Municipal Airport, said Ian Gregor of the Federal Aviation Administration.

The pilot was the only person in the single-engine Beechcraft BE35and he reported a loss of power before the plane crashed, Gregor said.

He suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene, Riverside Fire Department Capt. Tim Odebralski said. His body remained inside the wreckage after dark and his identity had not been released.

The plane’s flight had not originated at Riverside Municipal Airport, Odebralski said.

The plane took out power lines, knocking out electricity to hundreds in the residential neighborhood, but by 8 p.m. most had their service restored by Riverside Public Utilities crews that quickly responded to the scene, Odebralski said.

It was not immediately clear where the pilot was headed when the crash happened, the captain said.

The pilot radioed that he didn’t think he was going to make it to the airport and may have tried to put the plane down on Adams Street, which is four- lanes wide and might have appeared from the air as a suitable place for an emergency landing, Odebralski said.

RIVERSIDE – Authorities were searching for clues today into what caused a small plane to crash into a Riverside neighborhood, killing the pilot, but injuring no one on the ground.

The plane went down and caught fire just after 5 p.m. Sunday in the yard of a home near the intersection of Adams Street and Arlington Avenue, about one-half mile east of Riverside Municipal Airport, said Ian Gregor of the Federal Aviation Administration.

The pilot was the only person in the single-engine Beechcraft BE35and he reported a loss of power before the plane crashed, Gregor said.

He suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene, Riverside Fire Department Capt. Tim Odebralski said. His body remained inside the wreckage after dark and his identity had not been released.

The plane’s flight had not originated at Riverside Municipal Airport, Odebralski said.

The plane took out power lines, knocking out electricity to hundreds in the residential neighborhood, but by 8 p.m. most had their service restored by Riverside Public Utilities crews that quickly responded to the scene, Odebralski said.

It was not immediately clear where the pilot was headed when the crash happened, the captain said.

The pilot radioed that he didn’t think he was going to make it to the airport and may have tried to put the plane down on Adams Street, which is four- lanes wide and might have appeared from the air as a suitable place for an emergency landing, Odebralski said.

RIVERSIDE – An adult and a teenage boy were injured this morning when they were struck by a suspected drunk driver while walking on a Riverside sidewalk, a police lieutenant said.

The crash happened at 2 a.m. at Hole and Collett avenues, according to Riverside police Lt. Christian Dinco.

“The subject was involved in an altercation with family members before getting into his car and hitting the pedestrians and a fire hydrant,” Dinco said. “He was arrested for domestic violence and hit and run.” He was arrested for suspicion of DUI as well.

The suspect drove his car over a curb to strike the victims, the lieutenant said.

The adult and juvenile suffered injuries that were not believed to be life-threatening, although the juvenile was taken to Loma Linda University Medical Center for evaluation, Dinco said.

RIVERSIDE – An adult and a teenage boy were injured this morning when they were struck by a suspected drunk driver while walking on a Riverside sidewalk, a police lieutenant said.

The crash happened at 2 a.m. at Hole and Collett avenues, according to Riverside police Lt. Christian Dinco.

“The subject was involved in an altercation with family members before getting into his car and hitting the pedestrians and a fire hydrant,” Dinco said. “He was arrested for domestic violence and hit and run.” He was arrested for suspicion of DUI as well.

The suspect drove his car over a curb to strike the victims, the lieutenant said.

The adult and juvenile suffered injuries that were not believed to be life-threatening, although the juvenile was taken to Loma Linda University Medical Center for evaluation, Dinco said.

NEW YORK >> Scott Van Slyke hurt his neck Saturday during a cab ride in New York City and was unavailable to the Dodgers for that night’s game against the Mets.

He returned Sunday and was able to bat with a slightly less-stiff neck — and an unusual endorsement.

“I endorse New York Uber drivers,” Van Slyke said.

Van Slyke said he hit his head on the plastic divider in front of him when the driver stopped short. He couldn’t completely turn his head as a result of the injury, which he believes was a mild form of whiplash.

The driver wasn’t avoiding anything, Van Slyke said, “he just slammed on his brakes.”

Dodgers manager Don Mattingly spent parts of 19 years in New York City as a player or manager and said he never suffered an injury riding a taxi.

“I don’t remember getting slammed,” Mattingly said, “but slowing down you’ve gotta remember to throw your arm up.”

Frias could go to ’pen

Carlos Frias is scheduled to throw 50 pitches today for Single-A Rancho Cucamonga, his first minor league rehab appearance since he was sidelined with back stiffness earlier this month.

Frias was in the Dodgers’ starting rotation when he suffered the injury, but he is not guaranteed of going back into the rotation when he returns.

“It could be anywhere,” Mattingly said. “It could be in the rotation, it could be in the bullpen. You never know where Carlos could end up.”

Frias has made 14 appearances this year, but none out of the bullpen since April. In his 12 starts Frias has gone 4-5 with a 4.54 earned-run average.

Opponents have a .752 OPS against Frias the first time through the order, .761 the second time through and .915 the third time through. The Dodgers’ desire to find a pitcher who can go deeper into games has led them to discuss multiple trade possibilities.

Dodgers general manager Farhan Zaidi remains optimistic that he’ll strike a deal despite losing out on Johnny Cueto. Last year’s Cy Young Award runner up was traded from the Cincinnati Reds to the Kansas City Royals on Sunday.

With the non-waiver trade deadline looming Friday, there might simply be no room for Frias in the rotation by the time he’s healthy.

Garcia returns

Yimi Garcia was summoned from Triple-A Oklahoma City for Sunday’s series finale. Relievers Chin-Hui Tsao and Josh Ravin were optioned to Oklahoma City late Saturday.

For now, Zach Lee remains on the roster as the Dodgers’ “fifth starter.” His grip on the job is far from tight — Lee started and lost the Dodgers’ 15-2 loss Saturday and the Dodgers won’t need a fifth starter until next Sunday.

Garcia had one really bad outing — five batters faced, no outs — immediately after he was demoted to Oklahoma City earlier this month. In his next three outings, each lasting one inning, Garcia did not allow a run. He last pitched Thursday.

In 40 games with the Dodgers this season, Garcia has a 4.10 earned-run average and one save. He’s struck out 53 batters and walked nine in 37 2/3 innings.

Also

Chris Hatcher is expected to throw an inning Monday and Wednesday for Rancho Cucamonga. The right-hander pitched one inning Saturday in his first rehab outing since straining an oblique muscle in June.

NEW YORK >> Scott Van Slyke hurt his neck Saturday during a cab ride in New York City and was unavailable to the Dodgers for that night’s game against the Mets.

He returned Sunday and was able to bat with a slightly less-stiff neck — and an unusual endorsement.

“I endorse New York Uber drivers,” Van Slyke said.

Van Slyke said he hit his head on the plastic divider in front of him when the driver stopped short. He couldn’t completely turn his head as a result of the injury, which he believes was a mild form of whiplash.

The driver wasn’t avoiding anything, Van Slyke said, “he just slammed on his brakes.”

Dodgers manager Don Mattingly spent parts of 19 years in New York City as a player or manager and said he never suffered an injury riding a taxi.

“I don’t remember getting slammed,” Mattingly said, “but slowing down you’ve gotta remember to throw your arm up.”

Frias could go to ’pen

Carlos Frias is scheduled to throw 50 pitches today for Single-A Rancho Cucamonga, his first minor league rehab appearance since he was sidelined with back stiffness earlier this month.

Frias was in the Dodgers’ starting rotation when he suffered the injury, but he is not guaranteed of going back into the rotation when he returns.

“It could be anywhere,” Mattingly said. “It could be in the rotation, it could be in the bullpen. You never know where Carlos could end up.”

Frias has made 14 appearances this year, but none out of the bullpen since April. In his 12 starts Frias has gone 4-5 with a 4.54 earned-run average.

Opponents have a .752 OPS against Frias the first time through the order, .761 the second time through and .915 the third time through. The Dodgers’ desire to find a pitcher who can go deeper into games has led them to discuss multiple trade possibilities.

Dodgers general manager Farhan Zaidi remains optimistic that he’ll strike a deal despite losing out on Johnny Cueto. Last year’s Cy Young Award runner up was traded from the Cincinnati Reds to the Kansas City Royals on Sunday.

With the non-waiver trade deadline looming Friday, there might simply be no room for Frias in the rotation by the time he’s healthy.

Garcia returns

Yimi Garcia was summoned from Triple-A Oklahoma City for Sunday’s series finale. Relievers Chin-Hui Tsao and Josh Ravin were optioned to Oklahoma City late Saturday.

For now, Zach Lee remains on the roster as the Dodgers’ “fifth starter.” His grip on the job is far from tight — Lee started and lost the Dodgers’ 15-2 loss Saturday and the Dodgers won’t need a fifth starter until next Sunday.

Garcia had one really bad outing — five batters faced, no outs — immediately after he was demoted to Oklahoma City earlier this month. In his next three outings, each lasting one inning, Garcia did not allow a run. He last pitched Thursday.

In 40 games with the Dodgers this season, Garcia has a 4.10 earned-run average and one save. He’s struck out 53 batters and walked nine in 37 2/3 innings.

Also

Chris Hatcher is expected to throw an inning Monday and Wednesday for Rancho Cucamonga. The right-hander pitched one inning Saturday in his first rehab outing since straining an oblique muscle in June.